Philippines Releases Over PHP 76 Billion in Health Emergency AllowancesLaguna Police Arrest 204 in Major Anti-Crime Operation
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines has announced the release of PHP 76.1 billion in health emergency allowance (HEA) for public and private health workers covering claims from July 1, 2021, to July 20, 2023. This funding aims to support health personnel who have been on the front lines during health emergencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, the released funds have settled a total of 8,549,207 claims under the allocated budget for this specific period. For the upcoming fiscal year 2024, the General Appropriations Act has allocated PHP 19.9 billion for HEA, of which PHP 19.7 billion, or 99 percent, has already been distributed to all eligible health facilities.
However, the DOH has identified a remaining shortfall of approximately PHP 27 billion required to clear arrears filed by various health facilities. The department emphasized its ongoing collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management to ensure that all eligible health workers receive their HEA, underlining the necessity for hospitals to adhere to legal stipulations including liquidation requirements to facilitate further fund releases.
Under the current law, the DOH is mandated to execute memoranda of agreement and await complete liquidation from local government unit (LGU) and private hospitals concerning previously released HEA funds before it can issue additional disbursements. The department maintains a record of health facilities that have yet to meet these liquidation standards and is actively engaging with these entities through its regional Centers for Health Development to resolve outstanding issues.
LAGUNA — In a significant crackdown on criminal activity, Laguna police apprehended 204 suspects during a five-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO). The initiative, aimed at curbing various forms of illegal activities, concluded successfully, as reported by the provincial police chief on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Laguna Police Provincial Office (LPPO) director, the operation, spanning from March 14 to 18, targeted individuals involved in illegal drugs, gambling, possession of unlicensed firearms, and other serious crimes. The police successfully detained 59 individuals connected to illegal drug transactions, seizing 47.48 grams of suspected shabu and two grams of marijuana, valued collectively at PHP323,104.
Furthermore, the dragnet resulted in the arrest of 32 people engaged in illegal number games and 59 others involved in different forms of unauthorized gambling, with PHP20,854 in bet money confiscated. Additionally, the operation led to the capture of five individuals and the confiscation of 20 loose firearms. Law enforcement also managed to apprehend 17 ‘most wanted’ individuals and 32 others implicated in lesser crimes.
Col. Unos attributed the operation’s success to the combined efforts and perseverance of the community and Laguna police personnel, asserting the ongoing commitment to combat criminality and maintain peace and order throughout the province.